slontwovvy

tj- Maybe the reason you don't feel you get the respect you deserve is because you have a very condescending attitude toward other members of the board, almost DD-esque. "it's a shame many of those posts were spent repeating yourself to those that just keep missing the point!" Whereas once you protested DD, I'm wondering if now you may be becoming him. There is no place for such talk on the BB. Also, I disagree that your views represent the majority of society. I'm going to play Nixon's "silent majority" by saying that I believe most people stand with the BSA on this issue, just many may be afraid to admit it.

Service projects Scout nights with sports teams Museum trip Pack Sports day

There was an article in Scouting magazine that described Boyce as the perfect "starter," but someone who would never complete what he started. Boyce when on with similar results when he "started" Lone Scouts.

I was not intending to cause an uproar, I just found it necessary to point out that things go two ways. In an area where the three largest United Ways have dropped funding, I find it rather rich when humorous quotes come my way.

A local United Way decided to cut further funding to the BSA because of our freedom of association. There was a radio interview with the head of the UW, and something she said, I couldn't help but laugh at. Quote "The reason we've done this is that we don't want anyone to be excluded." End quote. Hmmm....like the Boy Scouts?

Sadly, we in the US cannot wear our Scout uniforms unless we are selling popcorn. A shame too, for the Scout uniform is a powerful tool. However, I can see the BSA's point in doing so.

-Going on a day trip to the state capitol -Flying in a small plane (check with the Young Eagles, etc.) -Going on a day-long ski trip -Getting together for a day to play capture the flag

I would concur with ScouterPaul on what to wear.

Welcome to the ranks!

From one Eagle Scout to another: Congrats Matt!

Maybe it's just tradition, but I've always heard six.

Hmm...The patrol system should not be changed that often. It will underscore the loyalty factor, big when it comes to successful patrols. Patrols, however, really can be grouped however you want them to. You will find people on this site who like setting them up in different ways: some will say "same age," others will advocate "close in age," and others will argue the spectrum. It really comes down to what you like the most and what proves to be effective. Personally, I'm a fan of the similar in age approach, where your patrol consists of Scouts within two or three years of each other. You get leadership and continuity without "resentment." Patrol trips and patrol Scoutmasters are OK. Patrol trips just reinforce patrol loyalty and can be valuable tools in teaching teamwork. In the past, our patrols have gone on ski trips, down to the state capitol, on day hikes or swimming outings, etc. Patrol Scoutmasters (ASMs) do not necessarily need to be working for the whole troop. Often ASMs specialize, working with the Venture Patrol, advancement, etc. Patrol Scoutmasters are helping the whole troop by helping their patrol.

There are two ways that we can convince adults that Scouting will be good for their boy. The first one is much more important. We must convince them that (1) Scouting will be worthwhile for their boy and (2) that the adult will benefit and have fun from their involvement. If we can do those successfully, we will have parental support, which is the Holy Grail in Scouting.

The districts I've worked with do not have a problem with troop numbers on uniforms for district functions. Indeed, I believe it enhances the event, whatever it is. It shows Scouting is a bigger thing than just one troop. Anyone can put on a Scout uniform, but when you see that someone from another troop has come to see you through your Eagle BOR, it can have a special effect.

I don't know, the way I get them they're caramel delites too. According to the statistics I've seen, this growing trend against the girl scouts seems to be growing. Too many parents are becoming concerned with the girl scouts 'modern' views.

All I can say--so true, so true.

Hmmm...let's see if this link works.... www.bsacamps.org

Our council has a $160 camp program. However, if boys have participated in troop fundraisers, the troop will subsidize $50 of the fee. So most boys end up paying $110. Additionally, the troop subsidizes a one-time $50 payment towards high adventure programs. Many of our boys are spending it during their trip to Philmont this summer. If anyone is still looking for a camp (maybe ones they never knew existed), check out www.bsacamps.org.

Look on most private college web sites--Eagle Scout is a big thing. They are not looking for just the "honors curriculum," but for well-rounded students. If you want to get into the big-name schools, you have to realize that they assume all their applicants have the academic ability. What separates them is what else they've done with their time. Students doth not live on academics alone. However, a person who lives on academics, debate, Scouting and cross country, well, you've got a much better shot, even if they don't say so.

Thanks for the suggestions. sctmom, the only thing I know that is remotely related to any conditions is that he has poor eyesight, bad enough to be classified as legally blind. He can still see sufficiently to move and live, but he could never drive a car.

In my troop, there's one Scout who completely lacks tact. He will swear loudly in front of parents, will insult other Scouts, and is often condescending towards leaders. He can be a great guy at times and really wants to be in Scouts, but, since he also wants to work with younger boys, I'm a bit leery. How can I get this Scout to either be more polite?

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." Chief Seattle "If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." Walt Disney "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." Marion Wright Edelman "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elizabeth Kbler-Ross "I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank

There are three types of people in this world. Some make mistakes and don't learn from them. Others make mistakes and do learn from them. But it is the wise that learn from the mistakes of others.

Big Bump to Eman. Three Months? They should be camping at least once a month (during times of appropriate weather). I'd be concerned if my troop had so few campouts.

First of all, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for those who have been harmed by these deviants. They were victims of something no one should ever have to face. However, I do believe that this crisis is a bit overblown. According to a study by the Archdiocese of Chicago a couple of years ago, only 2% of priests were found to even be accused of pedophilia, a substantially lesser number than in other professions, including psychiatry, coaching, teaching, etc. Not trying to make apologies here, but you also have to look at the context of many of these moves. By today's standards, they are abhorrent. Yet in the 60's and 70's (when many actually took place), pedophilia was considered the same as alcoholism: it was a deviation, but if you could get treatment, you could be off forever. My bishop (who at the time was in Boston) has said that two expert psychiatrists who interviewed the first deviant told him that this man was perfectly safe to return to parish duty. With sympathy, slontwovvy